Beauty at the Lake

            It’s a beautiful day in Central New York.  It’s one of those perfect fall days.  It’s sunny, warm and calm.  It’s been a very busy week.  Kathy and I began the week by worshiping and serving at Northside, and thank God for all He is doing there.  Then we headed to Buffalo area for the Baptist Convention of New York annual meeting being reminded again that even churches are better together.

            Upon our return home, my mind quickly turned to the message I would preach this weekend.  It was a process for sure as I agonized and prayed over the direction and the message.  This morning, I came to the office early.  Then I headed to the gym for a workout.  Following that, I returned to the office to continue work and sermon preparation.  After hours of contemplation, prayer, study, and preparation, the outline came together.  I was ready for a break. 

            I texted my wife and asked if she would like to go for a picnic at the park by the lake with me.  She was all for that and it was perfect timing for both of us.  We both grabbed a book – she was reading one by Kelly Minter, and I’m reading the new ‘All In’ by Mark Batterson.  Lunch was great at a picnic table by Onondaga Lake – where from Willow Bay you can see the city of Syracuse on the horizon. 

            We ventured out on the rocks and sat by the marker that is by the channel leading to the river.  We talked.  We laughed.  We heard the sounds of a fish that was doing some jumping out of the water.  We read.  We were challenged by the Lord there today and refreshed by the one who is the redeemer of our souls. 

            I brought a second booklet with me, and after finishing a section of ‘All In’, I proceeded to work through the Matthew Manual for tonight’s training session for ‘My Hope with Billy Graham’.  It’s all about bringing people to Jesus.  God is amazing in so many ways and one of those ways is His timing.  Just before we left a boat came up near us, stopped, turned on the trolling motor, and two men began to fish within a few yards of us. 

            They both caught fish!  I’m reminded of Jesus telling Peter – you will no longer catch fish – but people.  God is in the people business.  I was also struck by the fact that two fishermen caught more than one alone.  My prayer is that every believer sees the urgency of bringing people to Jesus and reaches out with the love of Jesus constantly.  That would be a beautiful thing.

            I made some important decisions by that water today.  I was touched in my heart by my beautiful Savior.  It was beauty at the lake today.  The beauty of the day for me was the beauty sitting next to me, my wife of 31 years.  She makes me stronger.  She shares my dreams.  She loves me and encourages me.  I love you, Kathy.  We really are better together.  Yes, today was beauty at the lake.  I pray for many more days just like that.  Until the next one, I’m going fishing and I’m going to teach some people to fish . . . for souls.